What happens when only one side is CAM?

Say you've got a Franklin, or whatever, and only one side is cameo, and the other side is not.

Does it only get a CAM if both sides are CAM?

 

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Well, let me ask you a question to see if you can answer your own question.

If a coin grades 63 on the obverse and 64 on the reverse, what do you think the overall grade should be?

Chris

 

If you send it to NGC, they will usually award a star (*) after the grade for a one sided cameo or a star cameo for an one sided cameo other side ultra cameo.

Anacs also is known to label coins as Obv Cameo or Rev Cameo.

PCGS would just have the grade and no designation.

Technically speaking, a coin needs to be cameo (or dcam) on both sides to be considered a true cameo or dcam coin. [Note: same holds with prooflike coins]

 

63+, I suppose...

 

Thanks!

 

It would grade a straight 63. To get a 63+, it would have to be "oh, so close" to 64 on both sides. Good try, though!

Chris

 

Okay, so what should a coin displaying, say, a gem reverse and cleaned obverse grade? Should the reverse "bump" the obverse in any way, or should the coin receive a details grade based upon its worse side? Think about it...

 

Randy Campbell at ICG grades Obv. Cam and Obv. DCAM on Morgans as they seem to bring a little more money. Occasionally, a one sided Proof will get the same treatment.

 

So in summary:

*NGC: will add star
*Anacs, ICG: will write Obv Cameo or Rev Cameo
*PCGS: no mention


*Newer PCI holders: will give it a DCAM virtually every time

 

A coin is only as strong as it's weakest side?

 

It depends on many factors, i.e. the coin, the grader, the value, the toning, etc...

There are many coins that have been given a higher grade by the major companies due to one side looking nicer.
In my opinion, Anacs (and a few others) did it right in the photo cert era when they would provide a grade for each side.

 

Excellent!

If anybody tells you different, it is only because they want to sell their coin for more money.

Chris

 

Thank you!

 

This is correct.

 

In that instance no there isn't much to work with on the obverse. But say a 63 obverse and a gorgeous toned 64 reverse I'd say probably at least to a plus, maybe morgans excluded from this since their reverses always seem to be at least a grade higher if not more. It's hard to argue for reverse bumps though when the obverse usually carries more weight

 

Just talked to an ICG grader. ICG will grade CAM, DCAM, on the obverse. ICG will grade PL, DMPL, and UDM (Ultra Deep Mirror) on the obverse. In cases of "reverse only" this is done by request.

Next, ICG grader said obverse is 85% of a coins grade (I think this is too high). For example, Many Morgan's are MS-66 to 67 on the reverse and lower on the obverse. A reverse grade will virtually NEVER raise a coin's grade; but there are always going to be exceptions such as a beautiful 64+* obverse and a MS-67 or 68 reverse coin graded as MS-65.

 

Yes, but still less than what a PCGS or NGC slab will bring with no designation

 

Not always though. I've seen obverse dimples with regular reverses without the star. I have a 79s obv dimple somewhere around here in ngc 64 with no star. I thought it strange as well. Wonder what the ficklness is due to. Graders mood of the moment I guess

 

As @Cascade reminds us : Generally PCGS coins bring more money than NGC coins...right on down. However, a competent and informed Numismatist buys the coin not the holder. Therefore, if two such dealers have the choice between a PCGS MS-65 and an ICG MS-65 UDM obverse - no forget that...

If an informed collector such as @Cascade has the choice of the two coins above, I'm curious which he (or any other posters) would choose in the following cases:

1. Both priced the same.

2. The ICG coin $50 cheaper.

 

I would judge the coin. But I/we are in the top 10% of the top 1% of collectors

We're such elitists lol